Changing Seasons

Forty-Nine

****

The week went by quickly, and before Krist knew it, Rocco's birthday had come. Rocco was four years old. His son's birthdays always felt bittersweet as he was excited to celebrate another year of Rocco's life but it saddened to know that he hadn't been able to witness Rocco making his entrance into the world and that he'd missed his entire three months as a newborn.

Marisol had told him she wasn't even told of Rocco's arrival, let alone Karla's pregnancy until close to a month after his birth. Marisol was uncertain if Karla had been clean during the pregnancy or if she had even had any prenatal care. The only thing she was able to assume was that Rocco had been delivered via c-section like her other children had been.

Though he had been able to take Rocco overnights a few times, Krist had been utterly terrified when he had gotten Rocco for good. He was grateful to be able to live at his mom's again. Krist had the whole diapering thing down but had been clueless on how to wean him from formula, what he should be eating, when he should call a doctor, baby proofing, etc.

Krist had missed so much of Rocco's first year but felt blessed to be able to have him home in time for his first birthday and Christmas. They'd had a small party with a smash cake. Marisol had brought her family and Lisette along. Krist had wished he could have thrown something bigger but was assured Rocco would not be upset and to enjoy the moment.

Krist had been working at the club already. Bryana and Erika were the only parent friends he had which meant they did a lot together during the day as a sort of blended family. They took Rocco and Zoey to the Zoo, mommy and me playgroups, and story times. They also helped Krist navigate his role as a single parent.

Becoming a full-time father, Krist found himself too preoccupied with his toddler to go out to party like he had. Which meant the group of people he had associated with fell off and stopped inviting him out.

He'd had periods of loneliness and boredom when he missed that life but the time spent with Rocco was worth it. Krist had even abstained from sex, not by choice, for over six months, just because he was so busy being a father.

When Rocco was approaching his second birthday, Linda had helped him get into the apartment he and Rocco would call home for several years. She had helped him with his rent for the first six months as he struggled to get his on his own feet.

He and Rocco had come a long way together.

****

Krist and Atira woke early to pack that morning. After the birthday party, they'd be heading up to Seattle for the week. Atira wrapped Rocco's birthday gifts while Krist shaved and showered.

Rocco woke later than usual, around 7:30. Krist made Mickey Mouse pancakes for him, serving them with a side of fruit.

As Atira watched Krist interact with Rocco during breakfast, she couldn't help but think about how he was so not what she had expected when she had sent the friend request.

She wasn't necessarily sure what she was looking for but had wanted some type of excitement in her life. Krist had been wild in high school. She'd been surprised to learn that he not only was a father but he was a massive homebody when he wasn't working. On top of that, he was insecure and clingy. Not to mention, Atira had never desired to have kids or be in a relationship with someone who had them.

Atira hated to admit it but if she hadn't been hung up on him since her teenage years, she wouldn't have considered him to be someone she would want a relationship with. Yes, he was majorly sexy and an amazing lover but he wouldn't have seemed compatible with her.